The ASUS STRIX GTX 980 and GTX 970s are Unleashed

Last night, at the NVIDIA GAME24 event, the company launched their next generation GTX 980 and GTX 970 GPUs based on their second generation Maxwell architecture. Today, ASUS bursts out of the gate with the first set of shipping NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 and GTX 970 GPUs that use a non-reference design. As we discovered in the review of the ASUS STRIX GTX 750 Ti OC edition, which is the little brother to the Maxwell architecture inside the new GTX 980 and GTX 970, the specially tuned DIRECTCU II cooling solution was not only extremely quiet, but also very effective. Since GTX 980 and GTX 970 basically sip power, we expect this cooling solution to be very effective.

Joining the STRIX tuned DIRECTCU II cooling solution, ASUS also adds their Digi+ VRM technology to the mix. The STRIX GTX 980 gets a 10 phase design, while the STRIX GTX 970 gets a 6 phase design. In conjunction with the cooling solution, ASUS claims that this GPU is 30% cooler and 3x quieter than NVIDIA's reference design solution. And to further add to the performance of the card, the ASUS GPU Tweak software allows you to push the card even further in terms of overclocks.

If NVIDIA's new GPUs based on the second generation Maxwell architecture, are anything like the previous generation Maxwell architecture on the GTX 750 Ti, then we should be looking for some surprised when we push those clocks. In fact, at the GAME24 event last night, overclocking records were already broken immediately at launch on the GTX 980.

The ASUS GTX STRIX GTX 980 and GTX 970 are shipping today and will be hitting shelves immediately. The GTX 980 will hit an MSRP of $559 US while the GTX 970 will settle in for an MSRP of $339 US. Further details can be found in the press release below. And of course, make sure you come back for our review of the NVIDIA GTX 980, as we take it through its paces on today's Triple A gaming titles.

Fremont, CA (19th September, 2014) - ASUS today announced the STRIX GTX 980 and STRIX GTX 970, all-new gaming graphics cards packed with exclusive ASUS technologies, including DirectCU II and GPU Tweak for cooler, quieter and faster performance. The STRIX GTX 980 and STRIX GTX 970 are factory-overclocked at 1279MHz and 1253MHz respectively and are fitted with 4GB of high-speed GDDR5 video memory operating at speeds up to 7010MHz for the best gameplay experience.

Play League of Legends® and StarCraft® in silence!
The STRIX GTX 980 and STRIX GTX 970 both come with the ASUS-exclusive DirectCU II cooling technology. With a 10mm a heatpipe to transport heat away from the GPU core, operating temperatures are 30% cooler and 3X quieter than reference designs. Efficient cooling and lower operating temperatures allow STRIX graphics cards to incorporate an intelligent fan-stop mode that can handle games such as League of Legends1 and StarCraft1 passively, making both cards ideal for gamers that prefer high-performance, low-noise PCs.

Improved stability and reliability with Digi+ VRM technology
STRIX GTX 980 and STRIX GTX 970 graphics cards include Digi+ VRM technology. This 10-phase power design in the STRIX GTX 980 and 6-phase design in the STRIX GTX 970 uses a digital voltage regulator to reduce power noise by 30% and enhance energy efficiency by 15% – increasing long term stability and reliability. The STRIX GTX 970 is designed to use a single 8-pin power connecter for clean and easy cable management.

Real-time monitoring and control with GPU Tweak software
The STRIX GTX 980 and STRIX GTX 970 come with GPU Tweak, an exclusive ASUS tool that enables users to squeeze the very best performance from their graphics card. GPU Tweak provides the ability to finely control GPU speeds, voltages and video memory clock speeds in real time, so overclocking is easy and can be carried out with high confidence.

GPU Tweak also includes a streaming tool that lets users share on-screen action over the internet in real time, meaning others can watch live as games are played. It is even possible to add a title to the streaming window along with scrolling text, pictures and webcam images.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS STRIX GTX 980 and GTX 970 graphics cards will be available at ASUS authorized resellers and distributors starting on September 19, 2014. Suggested US MSRP pricing is $559 for the STRIX GTX 980 and $339 for the STRIX GTX 970. For additional product information and specifications please visit: www.asus.com1 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors.

About ASUS
ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning, motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets and smartphones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,256 awards in 2013 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 12,500 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 3,800 engineers. Company revenue for 2012 was approximately US$14 billion.

About The Author

Stephen is front man, and Editor in Chief of Futurelooks.com. His interests include all things techie, but in particular, computer hardware, and cooking. When he's not geeking out, he's a father of three kids, Lexi, Tiberius, and Jaxon.